BassLab Model

9 September 04 - Matt Rogers (TX), to Stickwire:
There are few thrills in this life that can compare to opening the case for the very first time. This was the third time for me, and it was more than a charm. Upon lifting the lid I was greeted with the lustrous shine of a silver Stick. You've all seen this instrument before; it's the first XBL prototype. I allowed the almost surreal vision to fully wash over me for a few seconds before even touching the instrument. I believe that certain moments are made to be savored, and this was one of them. Once I had it in my hands, I knew it was something so special. I prepared to have all previous worries shattered and expectations exceeded, and that they were. I wish I had the words to accurately describe the wonder of its sound, but I don't think they exist. Here is my best attempt: The sound is rich, detailed, and so thick you could walk on it. The upper harmonics spoken of before are indeed present, adding a sparkle to the already strong fundamental. It's a sound that makes you want to play more and more, and you simply have no choice but to oblige this compulsion. I think the bass is even stronger than before (if possible), and the sustain is unbelievable. The execution is very fast, it's as if you can feel the note coming before the string hits the fret. I guess this is what happens when the fretboard building wizardry of Emmett meets Heiko Hoepfinger's acoustic mastery. This partnership has produced the best sounding Stick that I've ever owned, and I didn't think could get any better than it was. Get ready for the next chapter in Stick evolution.

12 June 03 - Vance Gloster (CA), to Stickwire:
There are two prototypes, a silver one and a red one (both are metallic-looking). I got a chance to play the red one, and it was really, really wonderful. It has a lively quality that is hard to describe. It seems like it responds a little quicker than other Sticks, though I think this is perception and not reality. It reminds me of when I used to record electric guitar through a very loud distorted amp in the corner of a recording studio with hardwood reflective walls and baffles all around. Playing in this environment (earplugs a necessity), whenever you play a note the instrument seems to instantly come alive. With the SE/BassLab Stick I did not play it loud, but there was some of the same "coming alive" sensation in playing it. I could easily have played it all day long! Emmett told me how Hoepfinger creates chambers inside the instruments, and how Hoepfinger thinks they allow the instruments to resonate at all frequencies. The empty chamber inside also makes it much lighter than you would expect. Anyway, Emmett and Hoepfinger have really hit on something. You can read Hoepfinger's ideas in his own words on the BassLab website at: http://www.basslab.de/OCT/ENG/FAO/faq.htm

13 March 03 - Greg Howard (VA), to Sticknews:
My first impression on the instrument was a pronounced sonic difference. Heiko constructs his instruments from what he calls "tuned composite" so he influences the material to bring out certain harmonic characteristics. (Don't ask him what the formula is because if he told you, then he would have to kill you :) When I listened to someone playing his 5-string basses, it was clear that the pitch definition of the lowest notes was much more pronounced on his instruments than on others I had heard. But this wasn't the primary difference I noticed on The Stick. On The X-36, I heard what sounded like a higher ratio of the second (octave) harmonic to the first (the fundamental). I would have to get to some test equipment to see exactly what's going on, but these are my ear's impressions. I think this makes the instrument more "3-dimensional" in sound. The closest comparison I can make is the difference between a hollow-body electric guitar and a solid body electric guitar and a solid body (like a Les Paul). This makes sense in light of the hollow structure. Yes, the space under the fretboard is also hollow. So when you play the new Stick you are actually hammering onto an acoustic chamber. You can feel the vibrations in your hands (especially on the back with your thumbs, where the material is thinner). This sensation connects the player a bit more, and the fretboard has a slight bounce to it.

10 March 03 - Warren Murchie (Bass Inside Online Magazince), to Stick Enterprises:
Well, the BassLab Stick is as impressive as I thought it might be. Sounds incredible and looks beautiful as well. Considering Greg had only just 'met' the instrument, it was presented at the show in a positive way and I felt the audiences were impressed as well.

8 March 03 - Ron Baggerman (Holland), to Sticknews:
I really like the sound of the new Stick models, although the regular Stick sound is magnificent, the hollow-shell mixed composite structure made by www.basslab.de adds certain harmonics to the sound, which definitely enhances the sound.